The MXT288UD-AM and MXT144UD-AM devices offer a low-power mode, outdoor operation, and touch detection through gloves on multifunction displays, touch panels, and smart surfaces in cars, motorcycles, electric bicycles, and car-sharing services.
Secondary touch surfaces can be placed inside cars and on the exterior of motor vehicles, such as on handlebars, doors, electronic mirrors, control buttons, steering wheels, between seats, or on armrests. Thanks to the MXT288UD automotive family in VQFN56 form factor and with a size of only 7x7 cm, Tier 1 suppliers can now reduce board footprint by 75% and significantly minimize the bill of materials for these compact applications, all while exceeding market demands for excellent and reliable touch performance. This family's standby mode consumes less than 50 µA and remains available to the user even when the display is turned off to save energy or avoid driver distractions at night. The system will reactivate with a touch on any point of the touch surface.
Furthermore, the MXT288UD-AM and MXT144UD-AM devices enable multi-finger touch detection and tracking through gloves and across various thicknesses and materials such as leather, wood, or other irregular surfaces, even in the presence of moisture. Normally, the dielectric constant of these materials would limit touch detection, but these devices offer a unique solution for reliable multi-finger detection and tracking with a high signal-to-noise ratio, thanks to a proprietary differential mutual acquisition technique.
For example, in car-sharing applications, this reliable touch functionality helps users access the car from outside by tracking touch coordinates on an external display in any environment, even in rain, snow, or extreme heat. Motorcycles and other similar vehicles can also benefit from weather-resistant designs. As an out-of-the-box solution, the MXT288UD family provides tested firmware, developed according to SPICE® processesfor automotive applications and AEC-Q100 approved, making it easier for existing car manufacturers to integrate into their systems with less risk and a faster time to market.
“OEMs in the automotive sector are striving to enhance the user experience through smart surfaces and multifunction displays, while also providing a comfortable and distraction-free environment,” said Fanie Duvenhage, vice president of Microchip’s user interface and touch functions group. “To meet these market needs, Microchip is building a leading portfolio of automotive touchscreen solutions with the new MXT288UD family of touch controllers, which increases performance and reduces costs for smaller touch controllers in the automotive market.”.
Development tools and design services
Software and hardware support is provided. Software tools include maXTouch Studio and a maXTouch analyzer. The MXT288UD evaluation kit a printed circuit board and a 5-inch capacitive touchpad, while the evaluation kit includes a printed circuit board and a 2.9-inch capacitive touchpad. Both devices include a USB connection board for connecting to a computer running maXTouch Studio.
To assist with the development and tuning of touch sensors and their integration into the final application, Microchip's touch function group and application engineers offer world-class support within this category.
Prices and availability
The MXT288UD family of touch controllers is now available in the production phase.
